[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a member with the City of
Eldon Fire Department.
B.
It is the policy of the City of Eldon, Missouri, to recruit in a
manner which does not discriminate against an individual because of
race, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
C.
It is the purpose of these rights and rules to establish a system
of administration based on merit principles and scientific methods
of governing. These rights and rules are written in agreement with
policies set forth by the City of Eldon, Missouri. In any area of
concern, the employment policies of the City of Eldon, Missouri, will
prevail.
[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
The people of the community are the only reason we are here. Therefore,
we are committed to working with the community to provide ethical
and responsible local government so that everyone can enjoy the benefits
of living in the City of Eldon. We will achieve this through integrity
and pride of service in everything we say and do with dedication of
service. Cooperation and communication with one another and with citizens
to ensure open government and open management with no surprises. Continuous
improvement of services through cost-effective utilization of people,
materials, equipment and technology. Leadership and knowledge through
staff training and development. Innovation in how we meet present
and future needs of the City and county.
B.
Volunteerism.
1.
"The only gift is a portion of thyself." In this brief sentence
Ralph Waldo Emerson captured the essence of volunteerism.
2.
Volunteerism is a wonderful state of mind. It urges us to step
outside the routine of our daily lives. It propels us to act when
we perceive a need. It reminds us that even though our actions are
not always selfless, there is a great reward in accomplishing a worthwhile
task.
3.
Throughout American history, volunteers have helped shape our
nation. Now, as we approach a new century, the needs of our society
are changing and so are the responsibilities, needs, and identity
of our volunteer force.
[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
Introduction. The probationary program has been instituted within
the Eldon Fire Department as a means to effectively train new members.
2.
After appointment, the member is placed on probation for ninety
(90) days and assigned to the Training Officer. The Training Officer
has the responsibility to see that the new member has the abilities
and attitude to function as a firefighter for the Eldon Fire Department.
3.
During the probationary program it is imperative that the probationary
firefighter attend all meetings/training sessions during this time.
Absences should be kept to a minimum (Example: work, emergencies).
4.
The result of the program is to assure the Department that all
firefighters responding to any emergency situation will be able to
perform all of the functions outlined in the probationary program
at an acceptable level.
B.
Program.
1.
The new member placed on probation will have available for review
the IFSTA Manual, "Essentials of Firefighting." This fire service
training manual will be used only to provide the firefighter with
an additional amount of information required to help meet the performance
objectives of the firefighter probationary program.
2.
The probationary firefighter has one (1) year from the date
of employment in which to receive certification CPR and as a medical
first responder. The probationary firefighter has one (1) year to
complete a hazardous materials awareness class. The department will
provide courses of instruction to achieve this.
3.
Upon completion of the ninety-day probationary program the new
member must pass a written/verbal examination. After passing the examination
the member will be issued turnout gear and accountability tags. If
the member is unable to meet the requirements he/she may repeat the
probationary program with the approval of the Fire Chief and the Training
Officer.
[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of these rights and rules is to establish a
system of administration-based merit principles and scientific methods
governing the recruitment, examination, appointment, removal, discipline
and welfare of the members with the Eldon Fire Department.
B.
Coverage And Amendment Of Rights And Rules.
1.
These rights and rules shall cover all members within the Eldon
Fire Department. Employees of the Fire Department, though not unconditionally
subject to these rights and rules, shall be subject to them, except
where, by virtue of their content, they would logically be construed
as covering the volunteer service.
2.
Any volunteer, employee, or citizen who feels that these rights
and rules are working or may work an unnecessary hardship on them
or that the efficiency of the fire services can be improved by amendment
to these rights and rules, may consult with the City Administrator,
and may be granted a hearing on such a matter if submitted in writing
at least seven (7) days prior to the Fire Chief.
C.
Prohibition Of Political Influence And Discrimination.
1.
No person in or seeking admission to the volunteer program shall
be appointed, removed, advanced or retarded on any basis or for any
reason other than qualification, merit, and fitness for service or
lack thereof. Any such action shall be taken wholly without favoritism
or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin,
sex, age, or disability.
2.
No person shall use or promise to use, directly or indirectly,
any official authority or influence, whether possessed or anticipated,
to secure or attempt to secure for any person an appointment to a
position in the volunteer organization.
D.
Unlawful Acts Prohibited.
1.
No person shall willfully or corruptly make any false statements,
certificates, marks, rating or report in regard to any volunteer application
or about any in-service volunteer.
2.
No person seeking approval to become a member shall either directly
or indirectly give, promise, render or pay any money or service, or
other valuable thing to any person for or on account of, or in connection
with their appointment as member.
E.
Policy And Disciplinary Board.
1.
The Policy and Disciplinary Board, as appointed, shall consist
of at least six (6) regular and two (2) alternate members from the
Fire Department.
2.
The Policy and Disciplinary Board shall determine the frequency,
date, time, and place of its meetings in order to best carry out the
powers and duties entrusted to it, provided that the date and place
of the meeting shall be determined and announced in such a way that
all interested parties shall be given adequate notice and opportunity
to appear at the meeting.
3.
The Policy and Disciplinary Board shall have the powers and
duties assigned to it by the Fire Chief. These powers and duties shall
include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: hearing
grievances from volunteers, planning activities and training for volunteers,
reviewing new applicants, evaluating volunteer performance, and recommending
disciplinary action for rules violations. The final decision for disciplinary
action, and other items which would affect the operation of the Fire
Department, rests solely with the Fire Chief.
4.
Four (4) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for
transacting business, but any number may adjourn to a later date in
the absence of a quorum.
5.
Minutes of all meetings of the Policy and Disciplinary Board
shall be taken by the Secretary or a person designated by the Chair.
The minutes shall contain the date, time, and place of each meeting
of the Board, name of the Board members and visitors present, all
official acts of the Board, the tally of the vote except where the
vote is unanimous and, when requested, a Board member's dissent with
their reasons. The Secretary shall cause the minutes to be transcribed
and presented for approval and/or amendments at the next regular meeting.
The minutes covering the formal action of the Board, or a true copy
thereof, shall be maintained by the Fire Department and shall be made
available for public inspection upon request.
6.
Board members shall make their best effort to attend all Board
meetings.
F.
Applications.
1.
Filing Applications.
a.
All applications shall be made on forms approved by the Fire
Chief. Applications must be filed with the Fire Chief or his/her representative
at least thirty (30) days prior to approval to allow time for background
and reference checks.
b.
All applications shall be reviewed by the Policy and Disciplinary
Board prior to action being taken, except in cases where the Fire
Chief shall declare an emergency exists and the rules of application
would hamper emergency operations.
c.
Applications may require information concerning personal characteristics,
education, experience, references, and other pertinent information.
Prior to acceptance of the application, proof of age may be required,
since eighteen (18) years of age is the minimum age for becoming a
fire service member.
d.
A release of information will be required as part of all applications
before they are acted upon.
G.
Disqualification Of Applicants.
1.
The Fire Chief may disqualify or refuse to examine the applicant
if it is found that the applicant does not meet the minimum requirements
to be a fire service member. The applicant may also be disqualified
after examination or refused admission if:
a.
It is found that the applicant does not meet or falsified any
one of the preliminary requirements or has made a false statement
of material fact on the application.
b.
The applicant is unable to render satisfactory performance of
the duties of a volunteer.
c.
The applicant is addicted to the use of narcotics or the habitual
use of intoxicating substances to excess.
d.
The applicant has used or attempted to use political pressure
or any other type of pressure to secure favoritism in the selection
process.
e.
The applicant has failed to submit his/her application correctly
or with proper signature.
f.
The applicant has been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor
involving infamous or notoriously disgraceful conduct or moral turpitude.
g.
The applicant is not a United States citizen or cannot affirm
allegiance to the United States and its laws.
h.
The applicant has otherwise willfully violated the provisions
of these rules.
i.
The applicant has established an unsatisfactory volunteer or
employment record of such a nature to demonstrate unsuitability for
use as a volunteer.
j.
For any other reason considered by the Fire Chief to indicate
acceptance of the individual as a volunteer would be detrimental to
the best interest of the City of Eldon.
2.
An applicant successfully completing the application procedures
under this provision shall have his/her name entered on the register
in the same manner as others; however, no such applicant may be appointed
to the volunteer service with the Eldon Fire Department until all
preliminary requirements have been met. This shall include an oath
of loyalty.
H.
Appointments.
1.
The Fire Chief shall be the appointing authority to place persons
on the volunteer register.
2.
Upon completion of a background check and application review
the Fire Chief may grant a temporary volunteer number so that the
applicant can attend volunteer functions such as training and meetings.
3.
New volunteer applicants will not be used in any functional
area until they have been approved, issued a membership card, undergone
a volunteers' orientation, and successfully completed training in
the function they will be assigned to perform. The exception to this
could be prior volunteer service with an approved organization with
proper training. New volunteers will serve a minimum of ninety-days'
introductory period after completing orientation. At the end of this
period the volunteer will be evaluated prior to becoming a tenured
volunteer. All reviews showing substandard performance will be reviewed
for recommended action.
I.
Register.
1.
Removal Of Names From The Register.
a.
Reasons for removal. The Fire Chief may remove the name of an
eligible member from the register:
(2)
On recommendation of the Policy Board.
(3)
For violation of rules of conduct set forth by
the Policy and Disciplinary Board.
(4)
On evidence that the volunteer cannot be located
by postal authorities or if the volunteer has failed to respond within
fifteen (15) days to a letter of inquiry regarding availability or
intent. Volunteers are required to notify the Fire Department promptly
of any change of address or telephone number so that the volunteer
may be contacted at all times either by phone or mail.
(5)
On receipt of a statement from the volunteer stating
that they no longer desire to continue as a volunteer.
b.
Notification. Whenever a volunteer's name is removed from a
register the Fire Chief shall notify the volunteer of the action taken.
Notification shall not be made when there is no reply to a letter
of inquiry or when postal authorities have been unable to locate such
volunteers.
c.
Reinstatement. Persons who have been removed from the register due to fault other than their own may petition the Fire Chief and, upon the Fire Chief's recommendation, be reinstated within six (6) months of the separation. After six (6) months this person must reapply the same as a new applicant. Persons removed for the cause under Subsection G or because of disciplinary action must remain removed for a minimum of six (6) months and until the cause for separation has been removed. Persons removed for cause must reapply the same as a new applicant before reinstatement will be considered.
2.
Return Of Property. Any volunteer leaving the services of the
Fire Department whether by resignation or dismissal is responsible
for returning any City property, including identification cards/badges,
uniforms, t-shirts, fire gear, etc., which they may have in their
possession. Property not property returned shall be considered stolen,
and a report shall be forwarded to the proper law enforcement agency.
3.
Causes For Disciplinary Action. Just causes for most disciplinary
actions are listed below. Disciplinary actions may be taken for other
just causes as well.
a.
The volunteer has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor
including moral turpitude.
b.
A report has been received from a law enforcement agency that
the volunteer has been committing acts that are illegal or would bring
discredit to the fire service.
c.
The volunteer is a member of a subversive or militant organization.
d.
The member has violated any of the principles of this Rights
and Rules Manual.
e.
The member has been guilty of any conduct unbecoming a volunteer
with the Fire Department.
f.
The member has violated any lawful official regulation or order,
or failed to obey any proper direction made and given by the Fire
Chief or his/her representative.
g.
While on Eldon premises and while conducting Eldon-related duties
or business on City premises, no member may use, possess, distribute,
sell or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The legal
use of prescribed drugs is permitted only if it does not impair the
member's ability to perform the essential functions of the job effectively
and in a safe manner that does not endanger other individuals in the
workplace.
h.
The member has been guilty of insubordination or of disgraceful
conduct either on or off duty. The member willfully and with no intent
to correct the behavior violated a standard operating guideline without
the authorization of an officer.
i.
The member is offensive in conduct or language in public, or
towards the public, City/county officials, other Fire Department employees
or City employees, either on or off duty.
j.
The member is incompetent or inefficient in the performance
of the duties of their position.
k.
The member violates the intent of special rules, regulations
and policies set forth by the Fire Chief and the Policy Advisory Board.
J.
Member Performance.
1.
Performance Appraisal. The Fire Chief shall, in cooperation
with the Policy Advisory Board and others, cause to be developed a
system of appraising the performance of members with the Fire Department.
This appraisal shall include, but not necessarily be limited to job
performance, training, interest, conduct, and employee development.
[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
The uniform creates a feeling of strength, uniformity and a sense
of government. Appearance is extremely important to the Fire Department
image and is enhanced by the proper wearing of appropriate civilian
dress with proper Fire Department identification. The applicability
of the rule shall be considered in light of the time, location, and
type of emergency to which the member is responding.
B.
The member is reminded that when wearing the uniform of clothing
that identifies them with the Fire Department, they are perceived
as a representative of the Fire Department. This applies regardless
of whether they are on or off duty.
C.
The uniform shall not be worn into places or circumstances that would
bring discredit to the Fire Department.
D.
No person shall use the uniform for personal gain, such as for free
food or drink, gain access to areas that are restricted or require
a pass for entrance, unless on official duty with the Fire Department
and privileges are specifically authorized.
E.
The dress uniform consists of dark navy trousers, and a dark navy
shirt with proper insignia. The standard emergency response uniform
shall consist of dark navy pants (clean, untorn jeans, EMS pants,
BDU and BDU shorts are acceptable) and a clean uniform shirt (polo).
On-duty personnel shall wear a standard emergency response uniform
and a shirt (polo) that identifies them with the Eldon Fire Department.
F.
Shorts may be worn while on duty at the discretion of the Fire Chief.
G.
While working in dangerous areas, the member will wear proper protective
clothing and equipment, such as bunker gear, hard hats, gloves, etc.
H.
Grooming is as important as the uniform itself. The member should
be well groomed. Grooming includes personal hygiene, hair, clean shaven;
if wearing a mustache, clean and well trimmed (must not interfere
with an SCBA face mask); and uniform that is clean and without holes
and tears.
I.
Non-members shall not possess or wear Fire Department-identifiable
shirts, sweatshirts, coats or hats without the expressed or written
consent of the Fire Chief. These identifiers shall remain as Fire-Department-member-only
articles and must be destroyed or given back to the Department upon
resignation or removal from the Department roster.
[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
All volunteer firefighters are allowed points for participation in
Department activities. These points are divided up and awarded depending
on criteria set forth by the policy committee. The points will be
awarded as follows:
B.
Points are tallied December 1 to November 30 of each year, and each
individual member is awarded points for their participation. These
points are then tallied up and configured according to the City-budgeted
amount for volunteer reimbursement. The points will be capped at ten
dollars ($10.00) a point.
[Ord. No. 25-2020, 7-14-2020]
A.
In order to instill a higher level of training and to work towards
bettering the Department, I am setting some new rules and SOGs to
all members. These rules shall be read and understood by the entire
Department and as of the first week of March will be used for points
toward the end of the year's fire pay.
B.
The Fire Department has been meeting every Thursday night at 7:00
P.M. for the past 40+ years. We have set up numerous training sessions
and have failed to have the minimum amount of fire personnel attend
these training sessions. I do not know of any fire personnel that
are exempt from training. We understand that at certain times, you
cannot attend because of family, work, sickness or vacations. If you
do not plan on assisting the Department anymore, we would like for
you to turn in your equipment so that we can hand it out to other
firefighters to use. The Department and the community appreciates
your commitment you have made toward making Eldon a better place to
live.
C.
The following addendum will be added to your Rules and SOG book.
If you do not have these we will see that you receive one.
1.
All personnel shall participate in a minimum of fifty percent
(50%) of Fire Department training or work meetings in the year stated
by the City of Eldon, December 31 thru November 30.
2.
Thursday evenings are our official training nights with normal
training beginning at 7:00 P.M. However, there are certain exceptions.
These exceptions will be announced prior to the training.
3.
If for some reason you cannot attend the required meetings you
must call and state the reason for absence to refrain from getting
points deducted from the year-end totals.
4.
All training meeting minutes will be reviewed at mid-year.
5.
Fire personnel not attending the fifty percent (50%) required
meetings by the end of the year shall be subject to review and will
be put on non-active status and removed from the roster with points
removed from the activity sheet. We are in the process of reviewing
the required attendance biannually.
6.
If training is canceled due to weather or any unforeseen circumstances,
personnel will be notified on the nightly pager test or by alphanumeric
page on your phones. Points will not be issued or taken away for this.
7.
If you do not have enough points accumulated to earn a minimum
fifty dollars ($50.00) stipend check at the end of the year, no check
will be written.
